Optometry FAQs

Not sure about visiting the eye doctor or getting new glasses? Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. Many of the eye tests we perform seem odd to people, especially during your first few visits with an optometrist, so we’ve also included an explanation about the regular eye tests we administer.

Be sure to mention if you experience headaches, eye fatigue, double vision, tunnel vision, dry eyes, sensitivity to light or other problems.

What if I’m not happy with my eyewear purchase?

The TEI For Your Eyes Guarantee

Your satisfaction with your prescription eyewear is our top priority. So much so that we only believe in styling you in well-made eyewear that is designed to look great, get you compliments, has the newest lens technology for the best possible vision, and give you peace of mind about the quality of your purchase.

Because your satisfaction means a lot to us, we have created a generous 30-day satisfaction window. Here’s how it works:

You pick up your glasses, and something just isn’t right: you wish you had gotten the lenses that turn dark when you go outside; you wish you had gotten that extra blue light filter to keep your eyes protected at the computer, or maybe you were feeling daring on the day you picked out your glasses, but now you regret that wild style….

It’s all going to be okay because we will fix it for you! Because patient satisfaction is our #1 priority, we will offer you ONE remake to fix whatever the issue is! You just have to let us know within the first 30 days of picking up your new glasses.

Sometimes we get asked about refunds. We are dedicated to investing in a large selection of unique frames so you can find your perfect pair and, due to the highly individualized nature of prescription eyewear, we are not able to offer refunds. But we are dedicated to making your decision one that you are happy with so be sure to let us know within those first 30 days if you would like to make a change.

About the Eye Tests

Visual Acuity Test

To measure how clearly you see at a distance, you will be asked to identify letters of various sizes, typically positioned 20 feet away.

Refractive Assessment

This test helps our doctors determine the right prescription for your glasses or contact lenses. You look into a mask-like device called a phoropter, which holds lenses of various strengths. As you focus on an eye chart, your doctor will flip two lenses into your view and ask if the letters are more or less clear. This allows your doctor to pinpoint the power that gives you the best possible vision.

Pupil size and Reactivity Test

Your doctor will shine a light into each pupil to see whether both pupils are the same size and contract normally. Pupil problems can be a warning sign of high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma or neurological issues.

Eye Movement Exam

As your eyes move up and down, the doctor checks whether your eyes are properly aligned. This test screens for a disorder in which eyes do not move together when focusing on an object.

Visual Field Exam

There are several ways to test your peripheral vision, but they all involve covering one eye and staring straight ahead with the other. You may watch a screen as dots of light flash and you will press a button each time you see a dot, enabling a computer to map your field of vision. The test detects blind spots due to glaucoma, a stroke or other ailments.

Slit Lamp Exam

A slit lamp is a microscope with a thin beam of light, used to examine the front of each eye under magnification, including your iris (colored portion), sclera (white area), eyelids, lens, and cornea. The test checks for cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic complications, corneal scratches or infections and chronic dry eye.

Corneal Staining Test

This test looks at the smoothness of your cornea. Your doctor places a drop of orange dye on the surface of your eye and will then look at your eye with a microscope that emits blue light. This test can be given to someone who’s had an abrasion, an infection, dry eyes or blurred vision.

Glaucoma Test

This test, also known as tonometry, gauges the pressure inside your eyes, which goes up if you have glaucoma. The doctor uses special drops to numb your eyes. Then, using a little probe on the slit lamp, the doctor gently presses on each cornea to measure eye pressure. It doesn’t hurt, and the drops wear off in about 20 minutes. (This is the test that used to be the “air puff” test.)

Anatomy Of An Eye

To better understand vision problems, eye diseases, and eye exams, it can be helpful to get an anatomy refresher. Here’s a quick overview of the different parts of the eyes:

Pupil – the dark circle at the center of your iris that allows light to enter the retina.

Lens – helps to refract light on your retina.

Iris – the colored part of your eye that controls the size of the pupil and the amount of light that is focused on the retina.

Sclera – the white part of your eye.

Optic Nerve – connects your retina to your brain.

Retina – light-sensitive tissue along the inner surface of your eye.

Testimonials

Tammy C.

Excellent service, doctor and front desk staff. Also an excellent and very stylish selection of eyewear for the entire family. I highly recommend!

Will M.

I left feeling as if I was valued, and that my money was being well spent on something I wanted to spend it on — not something I felt pressured into thinking I needed. The eye exam was by far one of the most involved and well explained I have ever experienced. I was pleasantly surprised the that the Dr. was present the whole time, my questions were answered with thought and not once did I get the standard, "I would not be too concerned " response. It was always a clear interest to make sure I was understanding the technical as well as the results of his answer.

Tosha W.

After many many years here...I am still happy to have my annual exam, glasses, contact lenses, and other services for my family here. LOVE this place and the atmosphere with knowledgeable and friendly staff. I highly recommend!

Becky D.

TEI's team has always been courteous, friendly, and calls about the exam. I've been going for years to one in Knightdale, NC and would not switch unless they close which, hopefully, they never will!

Jimena H.

I had been coming here for years and I’m always greeted by friendly staff! They know most of my family and remember our life stories when we come. It never feels like I’m the eye doctor, it feels like family.

Lance N.

I loved everyone at the Eye Institute. I got in pretty quick, they were very thorough and everyone had a great attitude. Thanks, Eye Institute!!

Kiersten W.

Dr. Chad Morgan has provided me with proactive, strategic care and exceptional long-term advice about my eye care for more than 5 years. I trust him completely and know he has a full understanding of my health and the new treatment options for my care. I simply wouldn't entrust my eyes to anyone else!

Cheryl H.

Good customer service. Tiffany was very helpful in helping me pick out my new eyewear. Dr. Chad is friendly and proactive...I appreciate both!

Newsletter Sign Up

Name*

Email*

Terms/Privacy Policy*

By checking this box, you agree to receive emailed information about eye health, our services, offers, and news.

Good Looks is now The Eye Institute.

Thank you for visiting GoodLooks. We’re now part of The Eye Institute family. You can still visit us in the same North Raleigh location or check out one of our other two offices in Raleigh or Knightdale. Learn more on the “Locations” page on our website.

We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Big Sunglasses Sale March 1-31

Get ready for the spring sun with TEI’s big sunglasses sale!

From March 1-31, get 40% off select frames in our North Raleigh location, including Persol, Armani, Ferragamo, and SunTrends.*